Old West Federal Credit Union could add a significant number of members and branches through a merger with Union Wallowa Baker Federal Credit Union.

Union Wallowa Baker Board President Carol Kroll said the La Grande-based bank sought a merger with Old West because it would keep ownership local.

“Being able to offer the products and services that members want while maintaining a local, personalized presence is an expensive proposition for any credit union and combining our assets with Old West will help ensure that a local, accountable cooperative is here to serve our members,” Kroll said in a statement.

The merger could be finalized by the end of the year pending regulatory and member approval.

The combined credit union would have assets of more than $160 million and serve members in eight Eastern Oregon counties.

Old West is headquartered in John Day and has branches in Pendleton, Hermiston, Baker City and Prairie City.